Who are these criteria useful for?

People comparing sugars and carbohydrates

You want a convenient lunch without confusing the ‘of which sugars’ line with total carbohydrates. If a reduced-sugar claim matters to you, check that it appears on the specific product.

People who use a microwave at work

Your lunch break is short, so heating time, instructions and the number of servings matter just as much as the pack format.

People who prefer lightly seasoned recipes

You want to compare the ingredients, allergen information and salt content before choosing between plain rice and a seasoned recipe.

Which criteria should you check first?

First decide what matters most for your lunch — nutritional values, preparation time or what's in the pack — then compare products on a like-for-like basis.

Criteria What to check Who it's for
Sugars and carbohydrates Compare the ‘of which sugars’ and ‘carbohydrate’ figures per 100 g, then check them against the amount you'll eat. Look for any reduced-sugar claim on the packaging. If I choose rice based on its sugar content, I also want to know how much carbohydrate it contains overall. This is the top priority for around 45% of consumers.
Preparation Check the cooking time, heating method and equipment needed for the product you're considering. When my break is short, I need a product I can prepare with the equipment available at work. Speed comes before other criteria for around 37% of consumers.
Recipe and portion Read the ingredients list and allergen information, check the salt content and note the number of servings stated. For lunch, I prefer to know what's in the recipe and how much makes up one serving. Around 18% of consumers put ingredients and portion size at the heart of their choice.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing ‘of which sugars’ with carbohydrates

    A low sugar figure doesn't mean the total carbohydrate content is low. Auchan's product listing for Taureau Ailé Basmati Épices du monde rice gives 0.3 g of sugars and 24.8 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

    Check both figures per 100 g before comparing them with the portion you plan to eat.

  • Assuming a keyword means less sugar

    A figure in the nutrition table alone doesn't prove that a product contains less sugar than another one. Nutrition claims are regulated by European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex.

    Check the exact wording on the packaging of the rice you're considering rather than relying on the phrase ‘reduced sugar’ in a search.

  • Assuming one pack is one serving

    Auchan's Taureau Ailé Basmati Épices du monde rice pack is listed as containing two servings. If you eat more than one serving, the per-serving figures won't reflect the amount you've actually eaten.

    Check the number of servings and use the per-100 g figures to work out the values for your actual portion.

  • Leaving leftover rice at room temperature

    Anses says that Bacillus cereus can be present in rice and that some toxins produced in favourable conditions can withstand heat. Reheating the rice again may therefore not make up for poor storage.

    Follow the product's storage instructions and avoid leaving cooked or reheated rice at room temperature for a long time.

Brands and ranges to know

These products show some of the different formats available for a lunch break at work. Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each product before you choose.

Ben's Original

The range includes express long-grain and wholegrain rice products featured by Carrefour France.

  • Carrefour says the Long Grain takes three minutes to prepare, while the Complet takes two minutes in the microwave.
  • An express format, even a plain one, doesn't prove that a product contains less sugar. Compare the figures and claims on the pack you're considering.

Taureau Ailé

The products documented include a seasoned express rice pouch and Camargue IGP rice to cook.

  • According to Auchan's listing, the Basmati Épices du monde pouch takes two minutes to heat in an 800 W microwave and contains two servings.
  • This recipe contains, among other ingredients, oil, flavourings and emulsifiers. Auchan lists 0.41 g of salt per 100 g. Taureau Ailé says its Camargue IGP rice takes 10 to 12 minutes to cook.

Dukan

The product featured by Auchan consists of konjac pearls ready to heat, rather than traditional rice.

  • Auchan's listing gives a one-minute microwave heating time, less than 0.2 g of sugars and 16 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
  • The recipe includes ingredients such as starch and tapioca syrup. Check what's in it and consider whether this type of product is right for the dish you want to make.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does rice with very little sugar also contain very few carbohydrates?

No. Sugars make up only part of the carbohydrates shown on the label. For example, Auchan lists 0.3 g of sugars and 24.8 g of carbohydrates per 100 g for Taureau Ailé Basmati Épices du monde rice.

How should you compare two rice pouches for work?

Start by comparing their nutritional values per 100 g, then take into account how much you'll eat. The DGCCRF presents the per-100 g basis as a way to compare prepacked foods. Also check the ingredients, allergen information, salt content and heating instructions.

Is the claim ‘reduced sugar’ enough to help you choose rice?

No. Check the exact claim on the product packaging, and don't assume that a product contains less sugar based only on the ‘of which sugars’ figure. Nutrition claims are regulated by European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex. You should also compare the carbohydrate content and portion size.

What should you do with leftover rice after lunch?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and avoid leaving rice at room temperature for a long time. Anses says that Bacillus cereus can be present in rice and that some toxins can withstand reheating.